Creative Model Making in Architecture Short Course

Course overview

Inviting observation, reflection and experimentation, this inspiring short course offers students an overview of communicating architecture through model making.

Students gain a thorough understanding of a specific building in London and learn to express its practical and conceptual aspects; working on one of the following iconic buildings (to be decided on the first day of the course):

Maggie's Barts Centre (designed by Steven Holl)
St James park's Cafe, (designed by Michael and Patty Hopkins)
Lumen United Reformed Church (designed by Theis and Khan)
The process of representing and materialising a building's aspects in 3D involves a deep engagement. Using crafting skills, students are encouraged to immerse themselves in a different understanding of a building. The course will start with visiting and immersing in a real architectural object and its surroundings. Students will have the opportunity to engage physically with it, take written notes and/or sketches. The rest of the course will then take place in the classroom. Scaled drawings, texts and photos will also be provided to allow for a more analytical view of the building.

During the course, students plan and design a 3D model to communicate one or more factual aspects, such as structure, materials, layout etc. This will involve working out scale and measurements and developing precision and accuracy. Students then move on to design and create a more abstract 3D representation, expressing their sense of the conceptual, sensitive and poetic aspects of the architecture.

By working on two different dimensions, students gain an understanding of the rich possibilities that lie in model representation, enhancing their ability to communicate about architecture. Students will be encouraged to share diverse points of view to broaden and enrich the learning experience.

Students can take this short course over 5 evenings or one weekend.

Who this course is for

This practical short course is aimed at anyone interested in architecture and creative model making. All levels of experience are welcome, though familiarity with using cutting tools such as Stanley knives is necessary.